Background of theories

In 1974, two theorists, Bulmer and Katz developed a theory called 'Uses and Gratification'. This theory suggested that audiences use the media for different reasons. Also that consumers are not passive but take an active role in interpreting the media into their own lives.

 

In 1987 McQuail expanded on the Uses and Gratification theory by saying that people watch media texts for more than just 5 reasons. They may consume the media to find out information on events happening around them; to gain personal identity, perhaps admiring a role model; social interaction, helping to socialise with family members; and entertainment which fits in under 'Uses and Gratification' theory.

 

The Hypodermic Syringe model disagrees with these two theories. It states that media consumers are like sponges, we absorb everything we see and believe it without questioning the media.

 

 

 

 

How our thriller will apply to

audience categorisation theories

In relation to 'Uses and Gratification' theory  our thriller could be consumed as escapism. This is because people can get bored with their life or sometimes even feel sorry for themselves, therefore by watching someone suffer with mental illness they could become grateful that their life isn't that bad. Although our thriller opening isn't intended to be realistic, it could still be classed as a source of information. By watching someone suffer with mental illness it could educate people on how mental illness effects other people. Also we aim to portray mental illness in a sensitive way, therefore the opening of our thriller may apply to people actually suffering with mental illness.

 

In relation to McQuail's expansion our thriller could be consumed as social interaction. This is because of social empathy, trying to understand other people's experiences as other people's lives are very different. Yet again we're trying to make people understand what mental illness could be like, so that people are aware of it. However because our opening is a thriller, we have to make it entertaining for an audience as people like to be scared.  

 

What audience we would like to attract

We would like to attract a niche audience as we think the certificate of our opening would be a 15. This wouldn't attract as big of an audience as mass, but niche audiences are very influential. They would be able to spread the message with their friends and perhaps persuade people of an older generation to watch our film. 15+ will be the new generation, therefore if they're educated about mental illness so will be the generation after that. However the thriller aspect will also attract more people as they want to be entertained and scared by the opening.